The Penguin's Heart (Oswald Cobblepot fanfic* orig charac)

The Van Dahls

Ozy P.O.V

I was shocked to have a father. It was an unexpected delight. When he invited us to his home, I eagerly said yes. But, I felt terrible for not letting Evy speak first. She smiled along as we walked to the car. It was her way of reassuring me that everything was fine. I sat upfront with father while Evy made arrangements in the back seat. 

We arrived at a manor a couple hours away from town. The countryside was peaceful but lonely. However, I felt at peace and knew this was where I needed to recuperate at. Father gave us a quick tour and started sharing some interesting family history. He fetched some towels and spare clothes before letting us get ready.

"I'll get the bath ready." Evy smiled as she scooped up some outfits. But, I quickly grabbed her elbow & drew her into me.

"I'm sorry for not asking you earlier. Are you okay with being so far away?" I apologised

"Ozy, I wouldn't have come if I didn't want to. As long as there's a phone, I can always check-in. Besides, it would look bad running away from my father-in-law." She assured me while caressing the back of my neck

"I love you." I smiled before kissing her

"Me too. Come on before your father checks in again." She replied as she led me to the bathroom

I followed her as she ran the tub. I looked around the cabinets and found bubbles. I grabbed the jar and pour some under the tap. The water quickly foamed up and we got in. We took our time since the water felt lovely. I also initiated a bubble fight which took most of our time. We quickly got out when the water turned cold. In our new clothes, in my case a robe set, we went downstairs to eat with father in a side room. 

"Wonderful timing. I just set everything down." Father greeted as he pushed out a chair for Evy then me

"It smells lovely. I hope I'm not intruding on your boys time." Evy nervously joked

"Nonsense. You're family too." Father replied as he set our napkins

"Gertrude came to work as a cook for my parents. She was so young and beautiful.  So full of life. So beautiful." he recalled as he went to pour drinks 

"I was young then, too. A boy really. A foolish romantic boy." He continued, moving onto the soup

"When my parents found out, they forbade us from being together. I was the heir to a great fortune, they said. And she was just a cook." He sadly said

"I threatened to run away with her. Turn my back on my family name and my inheritance." He added as he sat down

"It was the first and only time I ever stood up to them. They must have known my words were just that. A spoiled child, making idle threats. The next day, Gertrude was gone." He painfully recounted

"My parents told me only that they had come to an arrangement. She would be taken care of and I must never make an attempt to find her." He said with a cracking voice

"And to my shame I didn't. I let them separate us. I had no idea...She never told me she was pregnant.She didn't tell me about you. If she did..." He cried, struggling to hold back tears. Evy quickly held his hand to comfort him which he appreciated